Accessible Sicily – 3 Can’t-Miss Accessible Experiences!

Just off the toe of Italy’s boot, on the largest island in the Mediterranean, you’ll find Sicily – a true vacation gem with some of the most fascinating sights in Southern Europe. In general, as with most other regions in Italy, access for wheelchairs is not widely implemented in Sicily. Except from public buildings, newly remodeled restaurants and hotels, and some newer trains and buses (that offer ramps, wide doors, elevators etc.), great accessibility is the exception rather than the rule. However, with thorough accessibility preparation and trip planning, it is definitely possible to have wonderful, accessible, vacation experiences in Sicily!

Having been the crossroads of cultures for over 3,000 years, Sicily today offers an impressive mix of captivating diverse architecture, outstanding cuisine, ancient ruins, colorful street life and bustling markets.The breathtaking natural beauty of the island makes it stand out even more! Incandescent volcanoes, miles of golden beaches, stunning mountainous coastlines and clear blue seas – whatever your interests are, there are always things to see and do…

In this month’s newsletter, I’d like to show you how an island of mountains can be wheelchair accessible! Sicily is a great example of this…

3 Can’t-Miss Accessible Experiences in Sicily

1. The Amphitheatre of Taormina is a must see when visiting Sicily! Perched high above the Mediterranean, this Greek theatre was built in the third century BC, and is a sublime piece of ancient history and culture. Marvel at beautiful backdrop of the Mediterranean Ocean and the city of Taormina, behind the beautiful, almost intact, ruins of the Amphitheatre. As to be expected from a site of this age and nature, there are several accessibility challenges present (including steep hills, slopes and stairs). The best way to avoid these is to book a private guided tour with a professional guide that has extensive experience touring the site with disabled and senior clients. As pictured below, there is a wheelchair ramp available to get around the 4 steps at Greek Amphitheatre entrance, and the short uphill slope leading into the Amphitheatre is covered with wooden panels.

2. Taste Exquisite Italian Wine on Europe’s biggest and most active volcano! Some wineries near Mount Etna have accessible tasting rooms while accessible bathrooms can be harder to find. Contact us and we can help select a winery whose tasting schedule fits your visit and whose accessibility meets your needs.

3.”…an offer he can’t refuse” – Visit the Godfather villages. A visit to Savoca and Forzad’Agro, where several scenes from “The Godfather” movies were filmed, is something you won’t regret! Walk/stroll in the footsteps of Mr. Corleone, as you admire picturesque old buildings and streets in some of the most beautiful Italian villages you’ll ever see! Please note that these quaint little mountain towns have barely changed in hundreds of years. The terrain is mostly hilly and some of the streets are so narrow that they are inaccessible to cars. Due to the challenging terrain, I don’t recommend visiting on your own. Instead, combine the Godfather Experiencewith an escorted driving tour of Messina (the capital of the region), and have your knowledgeable private guide safely guide you through the villages using already proven wheelchair accessible routes.

Did You Know?

Did you know that all three of these memorable Sicily sites can be reached if your cruise ship is docking in Catania or Messina? If your cruise ship is stopping in Palermo or Giardini di Naxos, we have other outstanding Sicily experiences for you!

Cruise lines that visit Sicily include MSC, Celebrity, Costa, Princess, Cunard, Carnival, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, and more. Be sure to contact us BEFORE YOU BOOK so we can advise you of ship accessibility and itinerary accessibility. We also have exclusive access to great deals that you won’t find anywhere else!

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